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Remembering Anita Cobby
On February 4, 1986, John Cobby’s life imploded. He was driving up the coast looking for his missing wife, Anita, when over the radio he heard: "The body of a naked woman has been found in a paddock in western Sydney." As details emerged of the rape and murder of the gentle nurse and former beauty queen, outrage engulfed Australia. Five men were caught and, amid unprecedented scenes, jailed for life. For young reporter Mark Morri, the case was a baptism of fire. Told to "find the husband", he despaired: Cobby had changed his name and disappeared. But the Daily Mirror found him, and Morri’s interviews sent newspaper sales soaring. For nearly thirty years, Morri and Cobby kept in touch. In this book, John finally opens up, recounting how he and Anita fell in love, travelled the world, suffered the pain of her miscarriage, and how he still believes today that they are soulmates. He also explains why they were apart at the time of the murder. Weaving in chilling material from the autopsy police files, and interviews with the detectives who hunted down the killers, Mark Morri explores the ripple effects of the murder that still shocks a nation.
240 pages, Paperback
Published February 27, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 27, 2016
If the purpose of this book is to re-engage the public so as they will ensure that parole or resentencing is not allowed for those convicted on Anita Cobby's death- then I think it has worked.
My View:
This narrative focusses on the thirty years of emotional turmoil experienced by husband of the victim of a horrendous crime. The abduction and murder Anita Cobby is a crime that shocked a nation, a crime that changed attitudes regarding personal safety and security, a crime that defiled the innocence of a nation.
However this is not a book about the crime, or the victim or her family – this is an attempt by the author to verbalise the turmoil this negative life event exerted over the husband of the victim – John Cobby. Unfortunately I found most of this narrative slow going, repetitive and clichéd.
If the purpose of this book is to re-engage the public so as they will ensure that parole or resentencing is not allowed for those convicted on Anita Cobby's death - then I think it has succeeded.
My View:
This narrative focusses on the thirty years of emotional turmoil experienced by husband of the victim of a horrendous crime. The abduction and murder Anita Cobby is a crime that shocked a nation, a crime that changed attitudes regarding personal safety and security, a crime that defiled the innocence of a nation.
However this is not a book about the crime, or the victim or her family – this is an attempt by the author to verbalise the turmoil this negative life event exerted over the husband of the victim – John Cobby. Unfortunately I found most of this narrative slow going, repetitive and clichéd.
If the purpose of this book is to re-engage the public so as they will ensure that parole or resentencing is not allowed for those convicted on Anita Cobby's death - then I think it has succeeded.
May 4, 2016
REMEMBERING ANITA COBBY
The case, the husband, the aftermath -- 30 years on
MARK MORRI
The murder of Anita Cobby in Sydney in 1986 was probably the most sensational murder ever committed in Sydney. It aroused the public to a frenzy of anger when it was revealed that five men abducted, raped, and murdered in the most horrific manner, a beautiful young woman walking home. It is a murder that stands out in the mind of anyone who was old enough to hear about the case thirty years ago.
This book (non fict) is more about her husband, John Cobby rather that the murderers. It covers the main aspects of the case, including the police work, and the media. In an earlier book (SOMEONE ELSE'S DAUGHTER, The life and death of ANITA COBBY, by JULIA SHEPPARD) it covered the murder from the
police viewpoint.
This is quite an interesting book for those who are aware of the case. I think Someone Else's Daughter is more focused on the actual murder and the killers. This book, covers the wider background of how the murder affected John Cobby, her husband. He did not cope well, rather he fell apart descending into alcohol and drugs, eventually gaining some measure of control, and going back to work as a nurse. For the past 30 years he has been a recluse, changing his name, hiding from people, refusing to even to read details of the murder. The telling of his story in this book was cathartic, helping him to regain his life. No one would blame him for his suicidal depression, it was an experience that few could cope with stoically.
The case, the husband, the aftermath -- 30 years on
MARK MORRI
The murder of Anita Cobby in Sydney in 1986 was probably the most sensational murder ever committed in Sydney. It aroused the public to a frenzy of anger when it was revealed that five men abducted, raped, and murdered in the most horrific manner, a beautiful young woman walking home. It is a murder that stands out in the mind of anyone who was old enough to hear about the case thirty years ago.
This book (non fict) is more about her husband, John Cobby rather that the murderers. It covers the main aspects of the case, including the police work, and the media. In an earlier book (SOMEONE ELSE'S DAUGHTER, The life and death of ANITA COBBY, by JULIA SHEPPARD) it covered the murder from the
police viewpoint.
This is quite an interesting book for those who are aware of the case. I think Someone Else's Daughter is more focused on the actual murder and the killers. This book, covers the wider background of how the murder affected John Cobby, her husband. He did not cope well, rather he fell apart descending into alcohol and drugs, eventually gaining some measure of control, and going back to work as a nurse. For the past 30 years he has been a recluse, changing his name, hiding from people, refusing to even to read details of the murder. The telling of his story in this book was cathartic, helping him to regain his life. No one would blame him for his suicidal depression, it was an experience that few could cope with stoically.
March 22, 2021
Literally finished it in less than 6 hours. It’s not just the fact that I’m a sucker for crime docos, books, etc. but it’s a beautifully heartbreaking story. RIP, Anita.
May 6, 2016
This copy kindly provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publisher.
An intriguing look at the sheer destruction of lives caused by a senseless crime.
I was only a few years old when Anita Cobby was abducted, abused, tortured and eventually murdered, but know the crime well due to the many times it has appeared on various crime shows over the years as a direct result of the horrific nature of it.
Every time, as with other horrendous crimes, the focus is always on the victim themself and what happened to them, and of course, the perpetrator. But never before have I seen the focus be shifted to those left behind, struggling to pick up the pieces and continue on in life.
John Cobby was never in the media at the time of his wife’s murder, which to some may be concerning, pointing to his guilt etc. But after reading this book, and seeing from his perspective how his life changed, there is no way you can expect someone in his position to be out in the spotlight. Full credit to Anita’s parents, who despite just losing their daughter in the most unthinkable way, were capable to continue functioning and work with the police and media day in, day out.
I am so happy that John has finally been able to find closure and truly move forward in his life, and may Anita forever rest in peace.
An intriguing look at the sheer destruction of lives caused by a senseless crime.
I was only a few years old when Anita Cobby was abducted, abused, tortured and eventually murdered, but know the crime well due to the many times it has appeared on various crime shows over the years as a direct result of the horrific nature of it.
Every time, as with other horrendous crimes, the focus is always on the victim themself and what happened to them, and of course, the perpetrator. But never before have I seen the focus be shifted to those left behind, struggling to pick up the pieces and continue on in life.
John Cobby was never in the media at the time of his wife’s murder, which to some may be concerning, pointing to his guilt etc. But after reading this book, and seeing from his perspective how his life changed, there is no way you can expect someone in his position to be out in the spotlight. Full credit to Anita’s parents, who despite just losing their daughter in the most unthinkable way, were capable to continue functioning and work with the police and media day in, day out.
I am so happy that John has finally been able to find closure and truly move forward in his life, and may Anita forever rest in peace.
Read
February 2, 2016For some reason I have always felt a deep connection to Anita Cobby and now living in Western Sydney not far from Blacktown, where the murder took place, even more so. So naturally I rushed out to buy this book as soon as it was released.
This book is pretty hard to rate based on the fact it is such a terrible story, but it was also not what I expected in a sense there wasn't any new information at all about the case. I also do not wish to rate the book because you cannot just rate someones despair and loss. True crime stories are not like fiction ones where you can judge on things like gore factor and twist. This was someones life, someones wife, someones daughter, sister and friend. So no rating from me.
Although I do have to say, if you are looking for any new information on the case, this is not the book for you. This book focuses on the effects of the crime for Anita's family and the families they had long after Anita was gone.
I do hope that John's wish that the parole board do not ever grant freedom to any of guilty and that they die in maximum security gaol is achieved. It's the least that family and the community deserve.
This book is pretty hard to rate based on the fact it is such a terrible story, but it was also not what I expected in a sense there wasn't any new information at all about the case. I also do not wish to rate the book because you cannot just rate someones despair and loss. True crime stories are not like fiction ones where you can judge on things like gore factor and twist. This was someones life, someones wife, someones daughter, sister and friend. So no rating from me.
Although I do have to say, if you are looking for any new information on the case, this is not the book for you. This book focuses on the effects of the crime for Anita's family and the families they had long after Anita was gone.
I do hope that John's wish that the parole board do not ever grant freedom to any of guilty and that they die in maximum security gaol is achieved. It's the least that family and the community deserve.
August 9, 2024
Anita Cobby’s horrific murder is one that Australia will never forget. Five men (three of them brothers) abducted Anita as she walked home from the railway station and the physical, mental and sexual assault they inflicted on her is beyond belief. The book covers the effect it had on her husband John.
Maybe he felt guilty that he wasn’t there to protect her but his initial reaction was to immediately fly to America where he began drinking and taking drugs as a coping mechanism. I felt sorry for the man but at the same time I was at times angry with him, in disbelief and thought of him as a coward. I’m guessing he felt the same way about himself.
Anita’s parents were were left with the aftermath of the murder, identifying her body, coping with the media, keeping her name in the headlines and the court case that followed the conviction. John Cobby was no support to them or even his family but soon stepped up when Victims Compensation was mentioned. I was a bit disgusted with that.
As a byword Anita’s parents reached out to help many more families who had lost a loved one to murder. They are the heroes of the story not John Cobby.
Maybe he felt guilty that he wasn’t there to protect her but his initial reaction was to immediately fly to America where he began drinking and taking drugs as a coping mechanism. I felt sorry for the man but at the same time I was at times angry with him, in disbelief and thought of him as a coward. I’m guessing he felt the same way about himself.
Anita’s parents were were left with the aftermath of the murder, identifying her body, coping with the media, keeping her name in the headlines and the court case that followed the conviction. John Cobby was no support to them or even his family but soon stepped up when Victims Compensation was mentioned. I was a bit disgusted with that.
As a byword Anita’s parents reached out to help many more families who had lost a loved one to murder. They are the heroes of the story not John Cobby.
January 3, 2025
Anita Cobby was abducted, raped and murdered by five men in 1984. Informers led to their arrests and all five received life sentences. The story takes place in Australia and the justice system is similar to ours here in America.
The author was a cub reporter and it was his first assignment to a murder case. The problem here is the fact that this is mostly a book about the writing of the book. Morri became friends with the grieving widow and, after thirty years, they decided to write this book as a tribute to Anita. The suffering spouse hooked up with an old girlfriend only months after his wife's murder and married another woman within a year. He became a drug addict, with heroin and cocaine being his favorite sedatives. After cleaning up from them, he continued to drink heavily.
I cannot recommend this tedious work to my fellow true crime aficionados.
The author was a cub reporter and it was his first assignment to a murder case. The problem here is the fact that this is mostly a book about the writing of the book. Morri became friends with the grieving widow and, after thirty years, they decided to write this book as a tribute to Anita. The suffering spouse hooked up with an old girlfriend only months after his wife's murder and married another woman within a year. He became a drug addict, with heroin and cocaine being his favorite sedatives. After cleaning up from them, he continued to drink heavily.
I cannot recommend this tedious work to my fellow true crime aficionados.
August 30, 2016
A very good, thorough sympathetic telling of the Anita Cobby murder and more importantly of how her husband, John, disintegrated, disappeared and then rebuilt the man he had been in the aftermath of her terrible death.
Read
December 18, 2025I did go into this book expecting a deeper dive into the relationship between John and Anita. I was waiting for him to tell me something about Anita that the press and true crime documentaries haven't already. Unfortunately, this book didn't do that. Fortunately, however, I gave up on these expectations halfway through the book and let John tell me his story. Their relationship and case make up only a fraction of this book, but I found it compelling nonetheless.
How does one continue on after the unspeakable is done to your wife? When you are the number one suspect—when some of the world still thinks you are to blame? You kill yourself the only way you know how, just like John did. This was a difficult read, with the autopsy, case notes and photographs included at the end. I ended up learning more about John than I did about Anita, but I'm not entirely mad. My heart breaks for him all the same.
I do plan on reading "Someone Else's Daughter" to see how the story differs from the parent's perspective and experience of events. A quote from Garry Lynch in this book about John and Anita's relationship piqued my interest.
My only issue is the need for the author and John to make sure that EVERYONE knows that John and Anita "made love" the weekend before her disappearance. This is no one's business and is redundant when trying to prove his innocence.
How does one continue on after the unspeakable is done to your wife? When you are the number one suspect—when some of the world still thinks you are to blame? You kill yourself the only way you know how, just like John did. This was a difficult read, with the autopsy, case notes and photographs included at the end. I ended up learning more about John than I did about Anita, but I'm not entirely mad. My heart breaks for him all the same.
I do plan on reading "Someone Else's Daughter" to see how the story differs from the parent's perspective and experience of events. A quote from Garry Lynch in this book about John and Anita's relationship piqued my interest.
My only issue is the need for the author and John to make sure that EVERYONE knows that John and Anita "made love" the weekend before her disappearance. This is no one's business and is redundant when trying to prove his innocence.
June 10, 2017
Written by a journalist who knew Anita Cobby's husband since her horrific murder.
This book told the story of John Cobby, from his childhood to the present. Naturally Anita's murder has cast a very large shadow over his life and he retreated from the public life into drugs, alcohol and mental illness, largely unwilling to deal with the trauma this event had caused, for a long time. Eventually, John Cobby found closure. However, the book highlights the impact trauma like this causes and it's spread.
Fortunately the book didn't dwell on the murder or the murderers. It's really insomnia inducing stuff, but altogether the book wasn't all that well written. I felt that this journalist is better off sticking with shorter articles. His descriptions of the Cobby's relationships were 'idealised' to say the least and he wrote a 'filtered' description of John's dysfunctional coping mechanisms.
I honestly don't think I'd read this one again.
This book told the story of John Cobby, from his childhood to the present. Naturally Anita's murder has cast a very large shadow over his life and he retreated from the public life into drugs, alcohol and mental illness, largely unwilling to deal with the trauma this event had caused, for a long time. Eventually, John Cobby found closure. However, the book highlights the impact trauma like this causes and it's spread.
Fortunately the book didn't dwell on the murder or the murderers. It's really insomnia inducing stuff, but altogether the book wasn't all that well written. I felt that this journalist is better off sticking with shorter articles. His descriptions of the Cobby's relationships were 'idealised' to say the least and he wrote a 'filtered' description of John's dysfunctional coping mechanisms.
I honestly don't think I'd read this one again.
May 15, 2020
A well written account of the Australian Anita Cobby murder case. Although the subject matter is tragic beyond belief ,the book is written with great detail of the circumstances surrounding her death and the aftermath of the tragedy on her then husband John Cobby . A thoughtful and compassionate writer and the first book i have read from author Mark Morri.The author did an exceptional job with this story.It is a must read for anyone interested in reading about the case from the victims point of view.
July 20, 2017
The devastation felt by loved ones - in particular John Cobby- over this horrific crime lasted a life time! This is an honest and confronting book about real tragedy, loss and trauma. Not a "light" read by any means and I found myself empathising and crying along the way. Be warned, not something to pick up unless you prepare yourself first!
July 24, 2024
This book was interesting as I didn’t know much about this case. The choice to focus on Anita’s husband was slightly strange to me as I felt like it should have been about Anita herself, but I understand why Moriti made that choice.
Unfortunately to me It just felt like another case where the male victims are elevated about female victims.
Unfortunately to me It just felt like another case where the male victims are elevated about female victims.
August 30, 2021
Very good. Delves into the lives of those that knew Anita Cobby, particularly the life that her husband lived after her gruesome and horrific murder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2024
What a horrific situation for all involved.
I'd never heard of this murder before reading this book.
I hope those monsters never get out of jail.
I'd never heard of this murder before reading this book.
I hope those monsters never get out of jail.
July 3, 2024
5/5 stars
rest in peace Anita
rest in peace Anita
May 4, 2016
'REMEMBERING ANITA COBBY' - A Widower Reborn
No matter how many years may pass, the memory of a loved one who has gone far too soon never dims. If that same person has been stolen away through one of the most horrifying murders of the century, then every single one of those precious recollections is smothered with pain, disbelief and often deep seated loathing for the people whose names should not even be in your memory bank, let alone having their faces continually haunt your dreams. This scenario is the constant companion for John Cobby, aka John Francis, Anita Cobby's still deeply grieving husband.
Thirty years ago last February, a beautiful, fun-loving and effervescent young woman, who also had the trademark tender heart of a nurse, caught a train home from a dinner date with a few nursing buddies in Sydney's CBD heart. This was in the days long before the convenience of mobile phones and instant communication.
Arriving at Blacktown train station two kilometres from her home, Anita found some unnamed person or persons had unknowingly already taken her fate into their hands through the most senseless and stupidest acts of vandalism. A bank of phones lined the walls but as she went to ring for a taxi, every single one of the handsets had been ripped from their socket. But something of this nature wouldn't have bothered this carefree woman. She enjoyed a good walk and it was still early - around nine o'clock on a balmy night - and the distance was an easy stroll for any fit and healthy person.
Anita had no way of knowing that within the space of only a few minutes, what was to befall her would make her name known all around the country as the victim of the most despicable crime anyone could ever imagine. Career-worn policemen and tough investigative journalists would be horrified by what they would learn this innocent young woman had been subjected to for who knows how long. They would discover she breathed her final breath through a gaping slash across her neck where a sharp knife ripped through her windpipe all the way to her spine by a man with a heart made of stone while four others watched on without raising a hand to go to her aid. After all, why should they? Each one had just used and abused that beautiful body to relieve their thirst for power and insatiable lust while egging each other on.
Yes, I know. Those words conjure up a ghastly scene and some reading this may wonder why this reviewer penned such a blunt account of this poor woman's last moments on earth. But I make no apology - this is what John, her parents - Garry and Grace - and her sister, Kathryn, have had to live with every single second since that terrible night in February 1986.
'Remembering Anita Cobby' is a hard read that makes your heart ache for her loved ones, the bile rise in your throat for what she had to endure, and your blood boil at what five callous young men with the whole world at their feet decided was merely an act of fun one summer night.
And yet, despite the agony of reading about the pain and suffering John Cobby is still dealing with every day as he tries to blank out what his beloved wife went through - and still dreams of finding a way to mete out his own form of justice to these five sadistic brutes - this account was a real page turner as the author, Mark Morri, gave voice to John's story when he opened up his heart as never before. It took every bit of guts he could muster up - and not surprisingly, this poor heartbroken soul often found himself trying to run away from another bout of deep melancholy that inevitably arose with each telling - but he persevered and actually found a small amount of solace and relief when he came to the end after many long hours of relating his thoughts and pain. And in amongst all this horror, he found himself again ... a man no longer hiding his name - a widower reborn. You get the impression it was similar to cauterising a long festering wound with the deep sharp pains that eventually bring a measure of healing, although the deep-seated scars will never fade.
Thank you, John, for bravely recounting those heartbreaking years of shocking imaginings, unspeakable loss and desperate loneliness. I pray that one day soon you will find a measure of peace in your heart and reach a place where you will only ever remember your beloved Anita with a smile that comes from the very core of all those good times the pair of you shared before your heart was ripped apart and all that unwarranted self-loathing began. And one day I trust you will be together in the way you so yearn for and believe with every bit of your heart.
Until then, rest easy in your maker's loving arms, Anita Cobby. A whole nation wishes you peace.
No matter how many years may pass, the memory of a loved one who has gone far too soon never dims. If that same person has been stolen away through one of the most horrifying murders of the century, then every single one of those precious recollections is smothered with pain, disbelief and often deep seated loathing for the people whose names should not even be in your memory bank, let alone having their faces continually haunt your dreams. This scenario is the constant companion for John Cobby, aka John Francis, Anita Cobby's still deeply grieving husband.
Thirty years ago last February, a beautiful, fun-loving and effervescent young woman, who also had the trademark tender heart of a nurse, caught a train home from a dinner date with a few nursing buddies in Sydney's CBD heart. This was in the days long before the convenience of mobile phones and instant communication.
Arriving at Blacktown train station two kilometres from her home, Anita found some unnamed person or persons had unknowingly already taken her fate into their hands through the most senseless and stupidest acts of vandalism. A bank of phones lined the walls but as she went to ring for a taxi, every single one of the handsets had been ripped from their socket. But something of this nature wouldn't have bothered this carefree woman. She enjoyed a good walk and it was still early - around nine o'clock on a balmy night - and the distance was an easy stroll for any fit and healthy person.
Anita had no way of knowing that within the space of only a few minutes, what was to befall her would make her name known all around the country as the victim of the most despicable crime anyone could ever imagine. Career-worn policemen and tough investigative journalists would be horrified by what they would learn this innocent young woman had been subjected to for who knows how long. They would discover she breathed her final breath through a gaping slash across her neck where a sharp knife ripped through her windpipe all the way to her spine by a man with a heart made of stone while four others watched on without raising a hand to go to her aid. After all, why should they? Each one had just used and abused that beautiful body to relieve their thirst for power and insatiable lust while egging each other on.
Yes, I know. Those words conjure up a ghastly scene and some reading this may wonder why this reviewer penned such a blunt account of this poor woman's last moments on earth. But I make no apology - this is what John, her parents - Garry and Grace - and her sister, Kathryn, have had to live with every single second since that terrible night in February 1986.
'Remembering Anita Cobby' is a hard read that makes your heart ache for her loved ones, the bile rise in your throat for what she had to endure, and your blood boil at what five callous young men with the whole world at their feet decided was merely an act of fun one summer night.
And yet, despite the agony of reading about the pain and suffering John Cobby is still dealing with every day as he tries to blank out what his beloved wife went through - and still dreams of finding a way to mete out his own form of justice to these five sadistic brutes - this account was a real page turner as the author, Mark Morri, gave voice to John's story when he opened up his heart as never before. It took every bit of guts he could muster up - and not surprisingly, this poor heartbroken soul often found himself trying to run away from another bout of deep melancholy that inevitably arose with each telling - but he persevered and actually found a small amount of solace and relief when he came to the end after many long hours of relating his thoughts and pain. And in amongst all this horror, he found himself again ... a man no longer hiding his name - a widower reborn. You get the impression it was similar to cauterising a long festering wound with the deep sharp pains that eventually bring a measure of healing, although the deep-seated scars will never fade.
Thank you, John, for bravely recounting those heartbreaking years of shocking imaginings, unspeakable loss and desperate loneliness. I pray that one day soon you will find a measure of peace in your heart and reach a place where you will only ever remember your beloved Anita with a smile that comes from the very core of all those good times the pair of you shared before your heart was ripped apart and all that unwarranted self-loathing began. And one day I trust you will be together in the way you so yearn for and believe with every bit of your heart.
Until then, rest easy in your maker's loving arms, Anita Cobby. A whole nation wishes you peace.
March 16, 2016
Like the rest of Australia I was horrified by the brutal murder of Anita Cobby back in 1986. Over the years I have watched TV shows about the crime as well as reading some books. I must admit that in doing both those things I never gave a second thought to Anita's husband John Cobby. The only mention made was that the couple had recently separated. He was largely left out of media accounts of the crime. Remembering Anita Cobby is his story, the first time he has spoken since 1986.
It is impossible to fathom how such a horrific crime would impact your life, but in reading John's story you get some idea of what it is like. Initially a suspect John was soon cleared of any involvement in his wife's murder. Although they had recently separated they were in fact in the process of reconciling and were due to look at flats to rent on the day that she was reported missing. Since that day John has carried around a belief that he failed to protect Anita and thus is at least partly to blame for her death.
John's life as he knew it ended on the day Anita died. Changing his name to avoid being connected with the crime that polarised Australia he has spent most of his adult life running in an attempt to escape the horror. A nurse like Anita he has continued to work in the caring profession while self medicating with alcohol and drugs (at one time). His only respite has been surfing, something he remains passionate about to this day.
Overall I found this a very sad book. There was some information about the crime that was new, but it was mainly John's story. It illustrated how random murder can be and also that being beautiful, caring and well loved by all those who knew you does not make you immune if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Another thing I took from the book was a question of if John's life may have been different had he undergone proper therapy to help him deal with the loss. My take was that he has not really moved on and still carries an enormous burden of guilt and self loathing.
This was not an easy subject to read about, but still I believe it be an important book that gave me a new insight into the Anita Cobby case. It also serves to remind us why murder victims must not be forgotten and the importance of the community coming together to solve and hopefully prevent such awful crimes.
It is impossible to fathom how such a horrific crime would impact your life, but in reading John's story you get some idea of what it is like. Initially a suspect John was soon cleared of any involvement in his wife's murder. Although they had recently separated they were in fact in the process of reconciling and were due to look at flats to rent on the day that she was reported missing. Since that day John has carried around a belief that he failed to protect Anita and thus is at least partly to blame for her death.
John's life as he knew it ended on the day Anita died. Changing his name to avoid being connected with the crime that polarised Australia he has spent most of his adult life running in an attempt to escape the horror. A nurse like Anita he has continued to work in the caring profession while self medicating with alcohol and drugs (at one time). His only respite has been surfing, something he remains passionate about to this day.
Overall I found this a very sad book. There was some information about the crime that was new, but it was mainly John's story. It illustrated how random murder can be and also that being beautiful, caring and well loved by all those who knew you does not make you immune if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Another thing I took from the book was a question of if John's life may have been different had he undergone proper therapy to help him deal with the loss. My take was that he has not really moved on and still carries an enormous burden of guilt and self loathing.
This was not an easy subject to read about, but still I believe it be an important book that gave me a new insight into the Anita Cobby case. It also serves to remind us why murder victims must not be forgotten and the importance of the community coming together to solve and hopefully prevent such awful crimes.
February 25, 2016
Book blurb -
John Cobby finally tells his story, 30 years after the murder of his wife, Anita.On 4 February 1986, John Cobby's life imploded. He was driving up the coast looking for his missing wife, Anita, when over the radio he heard: 'The body of a naked woman has been found in a paddock in western Sydney.' . . . As details emerged of the rape and murder of the gentle nurse and former beauty queen, outrage engulfed Australia. Five men were caught and, amid unprecedented security, jailed for life.For young reporter Mark Morri, the case was a baptism of fire. Told to 'find the husband', he despaired: Cobby had changed his name and disappeared. But the Daily Mirror found him, and Morri's interviews sold like hotcakes. For nearly 30 years, Morri and Cobby kept in touch. In this book John finally opens up, recounting how he and Anita fell in love, suffered the pain of miscarriage and then went travelling. He also explains why they were apart at the time of the murder. Weaving in chilling material from the autopsy and police files, and interviews with detectives who hunted down the killers, Mark Morri explores the ripple effects of the murder that still shocks a nation.
My thoughts-
Most Australians will have heard the name Anita Cobby. I certainly do. When I saw the opportunity to read and review the book, Remembering Anita Cobby, I hoped to understand the grief suffered by her husband John Cobby who has remained a victim of the most horrendous crime for the last 30 years.
This story does not detail the events of Anita’s murder, rather how the murder impacted those closest to Anita. This is a fascinating story, well written and easy to read despite a few chilling pages, that focuses on John Cobby’s attempts to move forward when, in a way, his life ended that night, too.
The reporter and author, Mark Morri, has detailed Johns ongoing grief in a very dignified way, sharing with readers the very personal struggles he continues to face 30 years later.
This story was released on the 1st of Feb, 2016 and is hard to put down. Just as Anita’s image has all these years, the book, Remembering Anita Cobby, will stay with me for a long time.
John Cobby finally tells his story, 30 years after the murder of his wife, Anita.On 4 February 1986, John Cobby's life imploded. He was driving up the coast looking for his missing wife, Anita, when over the radio he heard: 'The body of a naked woman has been found in a paddock in western Sydney.' . . . As details emerged of the rape and murder of the gentle nurse and former beauty queen, outrage engulfed Australia. Five men were caught and, amid unprecedented security, jailed for life.For young reporter Mark Morri, the case was a baptism of fire. Told to 'find the husband', he despaired: Cobby had changed his name and disappeared. But the Daily Mirror found him, and Morri's interviews sold like hotcakes. For nearly 30 years, Morri and Cobby kept in touch. In this book John finally opens up, recounting how he and Anita fell in love, suffered the pain of miscarriage and then went travelling. He also explains why they were apart at the time of the murder. Weaving in chilling material from the autopsy and police files, and interviews with detectives who hunted down the killers, Mark Morri explores the ripple effects of the murder that still shocks a nation.
My thoughts-
Most Australians will have heard the name Anita Cobby. I certainly do. When I saw the opportunity to read and review the book, Remembering Anita Cobby, I hoped to understand the grief suffered by her husband John Cobby who has remained a victim of the most horrendous crime for the last 30 years.
This story does not detail the events of Anita’s murder, rather how the murder impacted those closest to Anita. This is a fascinating story, well written and easy to read despite a few chilling pages, that focuses on John Cobby’s attempts to move forward when, in a way, his life ended that night, too.
The reporter and author, Mark Morri, has detailed Johns ongoing grief in a very dignified way, sharing with readers the very personal struggles he continues to face 30 years later.
This story was released on the 1st of Feb, 2016 and is hard to put down. Just as Anita’s image has all these years, the book, Remembering Anita Cobby, will stay with me for a long time.
August 14, 2016
To so many of us who can remember this crime it still resonates loudly as one of the most horrific crimes this country has known. I was a taxi driver at the time and I remember getting fares out to Blacktown and although not from the area did work it occasionally.
Her story has so many ingredients, a beautiful young woman, five evil despicable men, loving parents and now a destroyed husband.
I have often read that a murder can, and often does, have a profound and lasting effect on those close to the deceased. I remember a television interview with a woman whose daughter had been murdered at Port Arthur. The sorrow and pain was palpable during the interview and one could observe that this person would never recover from this heinous crime. The pain might dull slightly but it would never disappear and would define her for the remainder of her life.
This all came evident as I read John Cobby’s memoir. I don’t think I gave any thought to whether Anita Cobby was married. I do not remember the press saying much about it. I have read “Someone Else’s Daughter” and I cannot remember John Cobby being mentioned. I must go and have a re-read.
The book is depressing and sad. John has not had a great life since that fateful day in 1986. He has gone through numerous ups and downs. Nevertheless he has survived and appears to have made some resolution with what happened and his own life. Anita was not the only victim of those five bastards.
Reading this book can be a struggle at times. The writing is not all that engaging and John’s life story has not reached any great heights. The book quenches ones thirst for a completion of the Anita Cobby story.
Over the years I have always paid attention whenever Garry and Grace Lynch made public appearances or pronouncements. The words, dignified, strong, quiet and graceful come to mind. I believe they contributed to keeping the Anita Cobby story alive. They died in 2008 and 2013 respectively. Sad days.
One aspect I was unaware of was that John Cobby and Garry Lynch never really got along with each other.
So if you are aware of the Anita Cobby story this book will add some detail.
Her story has so many ingredients, a beautiful young woman, five evil despicable men, loving parents and now a destroyed husband.
I have often read that a murder can, and often does, have a profound and lasting effect on those close to the deceased. I remember a television interview with a woman whose daughter had been murdered at Port Arthur. The sorrow and pain was palpable during the interview and one could observe that this person would never recover from this heinous crime. The pain might dull slightly but it would never disappear and would define her for the remainder of her life.
This all came evident as I read John Cobby’s memoir. I don’t think I gave any thought to whether Anita Cobby was married. I do not remember the press saying much about it. I have read “Someone Else’s Daughter” and I cannot remember John Cobby being mentioned. I must go and have a re-read.
The book is depressing and sad. John has not had a great life since that fateful day in 1986. He has gone through numerous ups and downs. Nevertheless he has survived and appears to have made some resolution with what happened and his own life. Anita was not the only victim of those five bastards.
Reading this book can be a struggle at times. The writing is not all that engaging and John’s life story has not reached any great heights. The book quenches ones thirst for a completion of the Anita Cobby story.
Over the years I have always paid attention whenever Garry and Grace Lynch made public appearances or pronouncements. The words, dignified, strong, quiet and graceful come to mind. I believe they contributed to keeping the Anita Cobby story alive. They died in 2008 and 2013 respectively. Sad days.
One aspect I was unaware of was that John Cobby and Garry Lynch never really got along with each other.
So if you are aware of the Anita Cobby story this book will add some detail.
November 20, 2016
A heart wrenching read, as any book on the topic of this most horrendous of crimes would have to be. I was nearly 17 and just about to start my first job when Anita was murdered, and like all Sydney-siders at the time I was shocked, sickened, enraged by the enormity of it all. The fact that alleged human beings could do such a thing to an innocent woman who was just going about her business and had done them no wrong whatsoever remains beyond my comprehension to this day, never mind trying to get my 17-year-old mind around it all.
This book is from the perspective of her husband, who went to ground shortly after her murder and is only resurfacing now, 30 years on. My heart aches for him on so many levels - the guilt he feels at not having been there to protect her, the nightmares that plagued him about the hell she went through, and of course he was the prime suspect at the beginning - as husbands/boyfriends generally are in the case of such crimes. It appears that some have judged him for the way he dealt with his grief in the aftermath - with drugs, alcohol and various other self-destructive mechanisms, but most of us will mercifully never need to deal with trauma of such a magnitude, and I for one have no idea how I would survive it so I don't feel that any one of us has the right to stand in judgement here.
The book itself is well written, giving the reader a clear picture of what a beautiful person Anita was, inside and out, with John's intense love for her shining through. I'm also in awe of the police and the incredible job they did in hunting down her killers and bringing them to justice with the help of the public and especially "Miss X", the aunt of one of the killers who turned informant - a particularly brave thing to do, as she was essentially putting her own life in danger in order to ensure justice was served. In this regard, in spite of the serious and tragic nature of the story, there is ultimately some hope and positivity in the shape of seeing the good in people.
So ultimately a tough read, but highly recommended.
This book is from the perspective of her husband, who went to ground shortly after her murder and is only resurfacing now, 30 years on. My heart aches for him on so many levels - the guilt he feels at not having been there to protect her, the nightmares that plagued him about the hell she went through, and of course he was the prime suspect at the beginning - as husbands/boyfriends generally are in the case of such crimes. It appears that some have judged him for the way he dealt with his grief in the aftermath - with drugs, alcohol and various other self-destructive mechanisms, but most of us will mercifully never need to deal with trauma of such a magnitude, and I for one have no idea how I would survive it so I don't feel that any one of us has the right to stand in judgement here.
The book itself is well written, giving the reader a clear picture of what a beautiful person Anita was, inside and out, with John's intense love for her shining through. I'm also in awe of the police and the incredible job they did in hunting down her killers and bringing them to justice with the help of the public and especially "Miss X", the aunt of one of the killers who turned informant - a particularly brave thing to do, as she was essentially putting her own life in danger in order to ensure justice was served. In this regard, in spite of the serious and tragic nature of the story, there is ultimately some hope and positivity in the shape of seeing the good in people.
So ultimately a tough read, but highly recommended.
February 18, 2016
I remember the murder of Anita Cobby, there are not too many murders that stay in the mind over all these years. I was living in rural Victoria at the time, busy with two babies, and it horrified me that someone life could be taken like that. What troubled me most was that the perpetrators did not care - they were callus and thought it was funny to destroy a life like that. I must admit at the time my thought centred towards Anita - but this book really hit me, the way all those associated with this crime suffered and are still suffering. Mark Morri tells the story of the victims, but mostly of John Cobby, in a factual way - as this is what happens to someone left behind - it isn't a story that is meant to pull at your heartstring, but makes an impact more so for its telling. It is a tragic story of many lives changed - a real true to life story of the impact of a brutal murder. Thank you for telling it.
This book was provided to me in return for an honest and unbiased review
This book was provided to me in return for an honest and unbiased review
February 23, 2016
Finished the book Remembering Anita Cobby. I am so mad because what they did was so heinous. 5 counts of murder, rape, grievous bodily harm, assault and robbery and theft of a car. They sodomized, orally raped her and vaginally raped her. They beat her and the one guy slit her throat to the point of almost decapitating her. Do you know that the the trial was 54 days. From the oral rape they found semen in her mouth. They said the damage from the slit throat hid the evidence. She was bruised and battered from the beatings. The story is told to the reporter who had covered the trial by the husband of the deceased. Through records from the police and his notes and discussion with the husband he wrote this novel to celebrate the anniversary of her death. I will not tell you anything else but will recommend that you read the book and find out for yourself how it was.
Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for this review except for a copy of the book from the publisher.
Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for this review except for a copy of the book from the publisher.
April 21, 2016
The Anita Cobby murder is one that I will never forget. I was in my early 20's when this crime took place. I travelled from Glenfield to Newton Road, Blacktown a few times a week in the same year to visit my boyfriend who lived on the road that Anita was abducted from. I was pleased that the book did not go into great detail about how Anita died. It did not focus on the men who committed the crime either. It focussed on how the husband of Anita Cobby was affected by the loss of his beautiful wife. It is a very sad story. I feel for all those that loved Anita particularly her husband, her sister, her sister-in-law and her parents.
February 5, 2023
Rating: 4/5
A MASTERPIECE OF AUSTRALIAN HISTORY! I never knew the story of Anita Cobby’s murder until I read this and woah! It was difficult take my eyes off this book. The details about how she was murdered, how they caught her killers, the trial of the killers. I was absolutely heartbroken and crying about John Cobby’s story. No husband should have to go through that. I hope he’s doing okay now, the poor man went through hell. I absolutely recommend this to anyone to read it! Rest In Peace, Anita Cobby.
A MASTERPIECE OF AUSTRALIAN HISTORY! I never knew the story of Anita Cobby’s murder until I read this and woah! It was difficult take my eyes off this book. The details about how she was murdered, how they caught her killers, the trial of the killers. I was absolutely heartbroken and crying about John Cobby’s story. No husband should have to go through that. I hope he’s doing okay now, the poor man went through hell. I absolutely recommend this to anyone to read it! Rest In Peace, Anita Cobby.
March 11, 2016
(3.5 / 5)
A painfully honest memoir from the man who was married to Anita Cobby and whose story was avoided by the press because he was so broken by it. Some readers may judge him for some of his actions after her murder, it certain appears there was no love lost between him and Cobby's father, but there is no doubting the sincerity of the pain he has carried around for years and how it has affected every relationship since, including that of his children.
A painfully honest memoir from the man who was married to Anita Cobby and whose story was avoided by the press because he was so broken by it. Some readers may judge him for some of his actions after her murder, it certain appears there was no love lost between him and Cobby's father, but there is no doubting the sincerity of the pain he has carried around for years and how it has affected every relationship since, including that of his children.
January 30, 2016
Thirty years on, the Anita Cobby atrocity resonates. If it's difficult for someone with absolutely no involvement with the Cobby/Lynch families to contain their revulsion at what those 'men' did, then it's impossible to comprehend how those who knew and loved her could possibly deal with it. This book does its best and an extra star for the last line.
March 30, 2016
A memoir about the life of the beautiful, young nurse Anita Cobby. This story describes how her brutal murder impacted her husband , her family and the Australian Public . Overall a insightful but heart breaking book into one of Australia's worst crimes , a crime that changed Australia's innocence .
June 4, 2016
A heartbreaking account of how one horrific moment in your life, committed at the hands of others can change your life and the person you are forever. What happened to Anita was tragic and unbelievably gut wrenching, but how it affected her husband is just as sad and heartbreaking.
October 5, 2016
Very well written Mark, it was nice how you showed the people connected points of view,(except those A-holes rotting in prison). Australia should never forget Anita, your book will go a long way towards that not happening
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